June 10, 2007

A Special Request

It has officially been a year since I started writing this blog.I can’t quite believe it’s been that long, but here we are.To celebrate a year, I decided to bake myself a cake, (um, is that really different than any other day?) and I’m asking for something from you in return: a comment.If you’ve never left one before, now’s the time to do it.If you always leave one, feel free to leave another.If you know me personally and think you don’t have to comment, make an exception today and leave one.It doesn’t really matter what you say, but I’m curious to know who’s out there, so if you want to tell me how you found your way to my little blog, where you’re from, your favourite food, what you’d like to see me make in the future or something completely different, it’s all good!And I promise I won’t ask for another comment for at least a year.

Perhaps you’re looking at my archives list and noticing that it only goes back as far as August, that’s because I started Jumbo Empanadas on a myspace page, (hangs head in shame) because I didn’t know any better.I quickly learned that Blogger let me do more things and was much easier to use so I made the switch.I also transferred all of my old posts to my blogspot site, so everything is here, from the beginning.

I knew that whatever I made for my 1 year cake would have to scream Go Big or Go Home.I think this cake does that effectively.It’s a combination of not one, not two but THREE Dorie recipes.I can’t get too much of a good thing.The white cake layers, raspberry layer and white buttercream icing are from Dorie’s Perfect Party Cake, the chocolate layer is a recipe I adapted from her chocolatey nutty sour cream swirl bundt cake, (I made it a pistachio swirl with more chocolate and in mini bundts so I had leftover which I made into this cake layer) and the chocolate frosting layers are actually Dorie’s recipe for bittersweet ganache.When you put all of that together you’ve got one serious cake, which is not for the faint of heart.With all of the work I put into that cake, the least you could do is leave me a little note!

On a final note, (and I’ll try to keep this brief, I’m not one for mushy stuff) thanks to everyone who’s visited over the past year.As I wrote in my first post, I originally thought bloggers and the whole concept of blogging was just weird but I’ve since changed my tune.I’ve really enjoyed writing, cooking and photographing over the past year and have been completely blown away by the kindness and encouragement I’ve received from others.I think I’ve been most surprised by the sense of community among bloggers and I’m continually shocked by the fact that anyone cares what I’m writing about and that you actually take the time to read my blog.So thanks again, you make me happy!Now let’s go eat some cake.

138 comments:

Dear BrilynI´m writting from Portugal in Europe. My name is Mafalda I´m 36 and for now a full time mother of 2. I Really love your blog, in fact I see it every single day, you are in my favorites and you are also an inspitration. I could eat everything you do,specially this cake. baking is my favorite thing to do...So keep going please...

Hey there! Happy Blog Birthday!! That cake looks insanely good!! I don't remember how exactly I stumbled upon your blog, I think you had commented on my blog after an SHF or something? I don't remember exactly - but I'm glad we "met" as I love your blog! I'm always so impressed with all the things you make!

Brilyn, I've been blogging for only 4 months now and you are in my favorites since the first day !! I live in La Coruña (Spain) in the northwest part of the country. In my blog you can see the traditinal food we cook here. Keep on with your wonderfull work.

Congratulations on your one-year blog birthday! Mine is next week, so I know you must be feeling the same sense of glee that I am. I've enjoyed your blog for many months and hope you will continue to enjoy writing it for many more.

I'm Ley, and live in Tennessee (in the US). I have a blog, but my baking and photography are no match to yours and many other bloggers world-wide, so I just live vicariously through you guys. I've read your blog for a few months now and have to say that your recipes are just AMAZING!

Hi. I'm Katie in San Diego. I read your blog daily and am always impressed with the things you make. Can I ask how you came up with name of your blog? I mean who doesn't love a Jumbo Empanada!? But does it mean something in particular? The daring baker posts are my favorite! Thanks.

Hello - my name is Rachel and I think I found your blog because a different blog linked to it. I really enjoy your writing. You update so frequently that there's usually something new to read whenever I check your blog; it's great for me as a reader, and pretty amazing that you have time to cook so much.

Happy Blogday! I am Jenn, I live in Florida and I check out your blog probably every 2 weeks or so. I like to know what people are up to in the foodie world and there are so many great blogs out there, like yours! Keep up the good work!

Oh dear, that cake! That cake! THAT is why I visit regularly. Your stunning photography and your witty writing is a treasure that I love indulging in. I believe I found your blog after you left a sweet comment on mine. :-)

Brilyn - when I started a foodblog, your site was one of the first I discovered, and what a mighty find. Every post makes me smile and I always know if I come to your site I won't be disappointed. A huge well done!! Mx

Happy Blog Birthday, Brilynn! That's an amazing birthday cake and I would be happy to help you eat it, if I were there. But I'm not. I'm in Washinton state. Oh well, at least I have Baking and can do it myself.

Your blog is one of my favorite to visit. You make amazing food, you are brave in your culinary adventures, and real enough to admit mistakes. Plus you make me smile. Keep it coming! I'll be looking for the Jumbo Empanadas cookbook. :-)

Happy anniversary hon! I'm a 30-something Californian most comfortable in the kitchen. I'm not quite sure exactly how you wound up on my daily read list, but you've been here for quite some time and my day wouldn't be the same without your 'voice' chiming in and encouraging me to go big or go home. :)

Happy blog birthday, Brilynn! I originally discovered your blog through fellow Melbourne cook Ellie (aka Kitchen Wench) and then it seemed like you were everywhere, posting interesting and supportive comments on lots of the food blogs I read. :-)

The cake on this post is incredible, but after subscribing to your blog for a few months I wouldn't expect anything less! Thank goodness that you also blog the occasional misfire, they are always charming (and often hilarious) in themselves.

Happy Blog Birthday! I found your blog through the countless daring bakers challenges... I look forward to each new adventure! And as a fellow "Go Big or Go Home"-er, I love coming to your blog... I'm a new blogger myself (I too am a huge Dorie fan) and I hope one day I'll have as many devoted readers as you do. You should be proud of yourself; keep up all the great posts!

Hi there! Happy birthday to your blog. I'm 18 and I love cooking. I just started reading your blog a few months ago and I'm hooked. The fact that you met Dorie Greenspan inspired me to send her an email (since she seemed so much more accessible after you had met her!) and she actually wrote back!Thank you for all your great recipes and fun stories. Keep up the great work!

Happy One-Year Anniversary! I enjoy reading your blog and seeing the wonderful things you make and bake. Today's cake looks absolutely delectable! I found your blog while following the adventures of the Daring Bakers--what fun! Keep up the good work.

Brilynn - Happy 1st Birthday, Jumbo Empanadas? I was living in the US when I first came across your blog, through Freya's blog, Writing at the Kitchen Table. Now I am back in my home country, New Zealand, and maintain my US-life as much as I can. What that means is that I cook a lot and read food blogs, like yours. I love your twists and turns on other writers' recipes in addition to the humor that punctuates your writing. Enjoy your special day.

Hi Brilynn - Happy anniversary! I always enjoy visiting your blog to read what you baked that week from one of Dorie's books. I must say that I share your passion for Dorie (if you didn't know already). The anniversary cake looks delicious!

I've left comments before, and will continue to because your food always makes me drool!! Plus, I think you are the one who led me to Dorie...

I don't remember how I found your blog, but when I first found the world of food blogging, I mostly was led to new blogs by blogs listed on blogs, and yours seems to be a popular one - as it is listed on many food blogs!!

Beautiful cake! Happy blog birthday! I can't remember how I found your blog, but I've been bloglining you ever since the first time I found my way over here. Gorgeous recipes, good writing - I love it when the blogger's personality comes through, and yours definitely does!

I would love to "go home" with that cake! I've been reading your blog for a few months now and really enjoy reading about baking adventures. I've been so inspired by your site and other cooking blogs I read I started tracking my own baking adventures on my blog. Thanks for inspiring me in and out of the kitchen. Congrats on your anniversary!

Hi Brilyn, happy birthday to the blog!I come round to see what you've been up to just about every day. I am food blogging from Finland, and first found my way to your great blog through cloudberry quark.

I stumbled upon your blog by reading another food blog. I love your recipes and stories. I am currently living in Mexico with a very limited kitchen, I can't wait to get home to try some of your recipes. Keep on bloggin'!

Hi Brilyn, happy Blog Birthday! I've only discovered your blog this month via another blog (can't remember which one). I will definitely become a regular. Here's to another fantastic year of blogging for you!

Bri, my fellow "go big or go home" Daring Baker sister! Happy Happy Anniversary!!!! I am so glad you move here from that other place we won't mention because otherwise I would never have had the great pleasure to "know you" and better yet bake with you!!!! And here is to many many more years of enjoying your incredible cakes, pies. But I have one question for you...what!! No bacon on this cake?? (said with mouth full of incredible ultimate Dorie cake)

Dear, dear Brilynn, HAPPY BIRTHDAY or ANNIVERSARY or BLOGDAY -- the important word here is HAPPY!! It was a joy to meet you and it's been an ongoing pleasure -- and one I hope will go on for a loooong time -- reading your blog. Looking at the comments, it's clear I'm hardly alone in hoping that you will continue to share your enthusiasm, humor, joie de vivre, talent and great food with us. And about that cake ... WOW!

Hello! I actually just found your blog a few days ago through a google recipe search, and I was so impressed with your gorgeous and delicious-looking pictures I will be a regular reader! You also seem like a down-to-earth cool person which makes your posts fun to read. :-)

Hi Brilyn! I have no idea how I found your blog but I was instantly drawn to your writing style and proceded to go back and read your entire archive. You make me laugh and your food makes me hungry!!! Your cake looks to die for and I think I will have to head to the kitchen now and get baking. Maybe I can blame you for any weight gain that may occur from this endeavor!! Have a wonderful blog birthday and I look forward to many more!!!

I love your willingness to experiment! This cake looks awesome. I've enjoyed reading your blog from the first time I heard of it, and I'm always glad to get your comments on my various kitchen experimentations, too. Congrats on one year of writing and cooking!

That is a mighty piece of cake! I hope you enjoyed every morsel! You deserve it! I always enjoy reading your blog. Happy Blog B-day and keep up the great work! I look forward to another great year of reading your blog! And I noticed Dorie commented...very cool:)

The cake makes me drool. Just found your blog via NPR article which led me to Dorie's blog, which led me to you. The internet's a wonderful way to travel. OK, off to actually read more of your blog since getting near the kitchen after seeing your fab cake would get me into sooo much trouble. I started a diet today. Sigh.

Hi Brilynn, 50+ Colleen from Cape Town South Africa here, HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY!! Keep up the good work, I love your blog, your recipes, your photies and your sense of humour. I am also into cooking and especially baking. I sell homebakes regularly and also jams, chutneys preserves etc. Keeps me busy and happy. I am most comfortable in my kitchen! That cake sure does have the WOW factor we all want to achieve.... :)Well done girl!

Happy Blog Birthday! That is great! I really enjoy reading your blog! Your's is bookmarked on my favorites. It was also one of the food blogs that inspired me to start my own! Thanks for the recipes and pictures!

Just home from Seattle, so could not post for a few days.Happy Blog Birthday Brilynn! Your blog always brings a smile and a renewed interest in cooking and baking. Your enthusiasm is contagious and your photos are an inspiration!Wishing you many more years of happy blogging.

Thank you for writing such a great blog! I just started a teeny tiny little baking project (I sell at a local market every week) and stumbled upon your blog. You were even kind enough to send me your croissant recipe! Thank you so much. C. on Vancouver Island, BC

Brilyn,I just found you a few months ago through the Cookbook Junkie. Your site and your food looks so good I am, quite frankly intimidated by your genius. However, after a few comments and going through the Gateau with you, I feel bonded, no more intimidation.

I love empanandas from On the Boarder, but then again I have never had them anywhere else. Keep blogging!

Jef- The buttercream looks so white for 2 reasons: 1- It's covered in shaved coconut. 2- And this is the unfortunate one, I just can't get really good butter here so it's a pale colour to begin with instead of a great, bright yellow.

Katie- Empanadas were what I was eating when I first decided to start a food blog and I jokingly suggested that's what I would call it and it stuck.

Hellooo!Here's MY comment: I'm from Germany and I came to foodblogging over fool for food to culinary concotions by peabody over to YOUR blog! I must say it's really professional, I wonder, how one can bake AND write AND photograph this good at the same time!! My compliments to the blogger!!

Hi! My name is Jen, and I live in Boston. I've been visiting your blog for the last couple of months, and what I really appreciate about you is your honesty--it's fun to eat, dammit, and fun to cook! And it's also fun to reveal when things don't quite go as planned. I have a lot of those moments myself. Happy blog birthday!

Bri -- I can't remember on whose blog I first found you (you're on many of my favorites) but ever since I first stopped by your kitchen I've been hooked. Happy Blog Birthday! Looking forward to many more years of Yummy Goodness from your kitchen!

I'm your jumbo fan from Jerusalem, Israel.I enjoy every visit here (a few times a week) becuase everything you make is interesting, visually appealing and fun. Not a bad accomplishment for a one-year-old.

I thought I had already left a comment, but I don't see it. Congrats on your blog anniversary. You have a gorgeous blog, photos, and this cake just knocks my socks off! Here's wishing you many more years of blog fun.

Happy blog birthday! I'm generally not the commenting type, since I am a busy university student and I barely have time to read other people's food blogs, let alone maintain my own. But it's summer break at the moment and work only starts next week, so here I am, catching up. I hail from Nova Scotia, I'm 20, and I love your blog.

I've only recently discovered your blog, and have unfortunately fallen way behind on blogging duties recently... but I still look forward to every mega post you put up. Thank you for your hard work, and here's to another great year!

I am in San Diego and found your blog when I was googling for a new cookie recipe. I ended up making your Team Cookies and they were a huge hit- thank you! After reading your latest post, I think you might inspire me to buy an ice cream maker. Thanks again!